Map critiques must deal with fundamental communication of geographic information. Minor problems that do not interfere with communication are acceptable. Major design problems that do interfere with communication may render the map useless. Consequently, it is important to learn how to understand the differences between minor and major problems and their overall impact on the communication process.
Some questions for map reviewers
1. Are geometric map symbols used appropriately?
2. Are colors used appropriately?
3. Is the map clear and legible?
4. Is the purpose of the map (or theme) clearly stated/identified?
5. Is the map reasonably easy to understand?
6. Are map elements balanced?
7. Are the sizes of symbols and text appropriate?
8. Are symbol and text hierarchy employed properly?
9. Do symbol hierarchies reflect statistical hierarchies?
10. Is there enough contrast between map elements?
11. Is the map pleasing to look at?
12. Are map elements appropriately generalized?
13. Is the map constructed at an appropriate size and scale?
14. Does the map legend assist in map interpretation?
15. Is the map text sufficiently informative?
16. Does the map title accurately reflect information on the map, or the message derived from the map?
17. Is the map overloaded (or underloaded) with information?
18. If you are critical of a map, how would you improve it’s design?
Map critiques must deal with fundamental communication of geographic information. Minor problems that do not interfere with communication are acceptable. Major design problems that do interfere with communication may render the map useless. Consequently, it is important to learn how to understand the differences between minor and major problems and their overall impact on the communication process.
Some questions for map reviewers
1. Are geometric map symbols used appropriately?
2. Are colors used appropriately?
3. Is the map clear and legible?
4. Is the purpose of the map (or theme) clearly stated/identified?
5. Is the map reasonably easy to understand?
6. Are map elements balanced?
7. Are the sizes of symbols and text appropriate?
8. Are symbol and text hierarchy employed properly?
9. Do symbol hierarchies reflect statistical hierarchies?
10. Is there enough contrast between map elements?
11. Is the map pleasing to look at?
12. Are map elements appropriately generalized?
13. Is the map constructed at an appropriate size and scale?
14. Does the map legend assist in map interpretation?
15. Is the map text sufficiently informative?
16. Does the map title accurately reflect information on the map, or the message derived from the map?
17. Is the map overloaded (or underloaded) with information?
18. If you are critical of a map, how would you improve it’s design?
Critique a Map
Map Design
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